Renato Sanches

Man U missed out on Renato Sanches because they couldn't decide on a coach

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:40 p.m. ET

Aaron West

Manchester United could've gotten their hands on one of world soccer's biggest young talents, but they dragged their feet and Renato Sanches signed for Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge alleges the club took advantage of Manchester United's wishy-washy managerial decisions when agreeing to sign Renato Sanches with just a "handshake".

United took the initial steps, having tracked the Portuguese starlet for some time, but Louis Van Gaal didn't want Sanches. Jose Mourinho was (and is) a huge fan of the kid, and he wanted him in his team at United. The problem? United weren't willing to make a move amid the uncertainty swirling around their coaching situation.

Bayern Munich didn't have any issues on that front. They might have lost to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, but that day was key for one reason: that's when they stole Sanches away.

"We knew very well that Renato had a firm offer from Manchester United. I heard that the United deal couldn't be completed, as they didn't know who their next manager would be," Rummenigge told Sport Bild. "We invited Benfica's president and Sanches' agent to Madrid and that night we shook hands on the transfer."

Another guy who's really happy about this transfer coup? Carlo Ancelotti. He's been effusive with his praise of his dynamic young midfielder, calling his Cool Teen "a phenomenon" and "one of the best players at Euro 2016."

Just imagine, though. Renato Sanches and Paul Pogba in the same midfield. It could've been a thing.

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